Author: Kari Guilbault (Page 4 of 4)

Dr. Michele Buzon gave a talk about Tombos archaeological research and bioarchaeology at the local town elementary school.

Dr. Stuart Tyson Smith found a heart scarab associated with the intact burial in Unit 35. It lay under the neck of the mummy where it probably fell as the wrappings decayed. Heart scarabs are rare and indicate her elite status. They were inscribed with a spell from the Book of the Dead that ensured that the deceased’s heart/soul would not betray her in the Netherworld during the final judgment:

 “Oh my heart of my mother! Oh my heart of my mother! … Do not oppose me in the tribunal! Do not show your hostility against me before the Keeper of the Balance! For you are my ka which is in my body, the protector who causes my limbs to be healthy! Go forth to the good place to which we hasten!”

Dr. Sarah Schrader discovered an intentionally buried dog within a Kerma period grave at Abu Fatima.  The dog, with a leather collar, was found in association with a young adult male; both were placed on top of cowhide.  Dogs were also found buried at the feet of individuals at the royal burial site in the Kerma capital.

***Update: Here is a photo of the leather collar found with the dog.

Photo by Dr. Stuart Tyson Smith

One of our workmen, Antar, is preparing for his upcoming wedding during the men’s henna party.

Dr. Stuart Tyson Smith and Elizabeth Drolet – Photo by Nadejda Reshetnikova.

We just found an intact side niche. We reached the bottom in the Unit 35 shaft and it had a side niche that was still completely sealed, a modest Howard Carter moment! While the coffin was sadly termite eaten, it once had inlaid eyes  and the burial is in situ.   A nice array of pots was also found. Our conservator, Elizabeth Drolet, is helping to lift coffin pieces to check for traces of decoration.

The 2016 season is underway!  Getting back to the New Kingdom pyramids at Tombos.